At the highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event, Samsung is poised to unveil its first-ever extended reality (XR) headset, tentatively named ‘Project Moohan,’ which translates to infinity in Korean. This move signals Samsung’s intention to compete head-to-head with industry leader Apple, particularly the Apple Vision Pro, which has been creating a buzz in the XR space. Announced in late 2024, Project Moohan embodies Samsung’s efforts to push boundaries and innovate within the realm of wearable technology.
While detailed specifications for Project Moohan have yet to be released, early reports suggest a suite of advanced features designed to enhance user experience. Samsung has hinted at multimodal input capabilities, allowing users to interact with the headset through various means, be it voice commands, touch, or gestures. Additionally, the device will showcase state-of-the-art displays that promise to elevate visual fidelity, a critical aspect in the immersive world of XR. The headset’s passthrough functionality is another notable feature, enabling users to perceive their physical environment while engaging with virtual elements, paralleling features already available in competing devices like the Apple Vision Pro.
One of the standout aspects of Project Moohan is its integration with Android XR, a new operating system tailored for XR devices. Developed through collaboration with tech giants Google and Qualcomm, this operating system is expected to unlock a plethora of features and apps optimized for XR use. Samsung’s entry into this space represents a significant shift, especially given its history with virtual reality (VR) headsets, dating back to the Gear VR launched in 2015. Unlike that earlier model, which primarily relied on smartphones, Project Moohan signifies a dedicated approach to standalone XR technology.
Interestingly, Samsung’s launch arrives amid a challenging environment for the XR market. Recent data from Counterpoint Research highlights a concerning trend: global shipments of VR headsets have seen a 4 percent decline year-over-year, while the shipment of AR smart glasses has plummeted by more than 30 percent. Such statistics indicate a market experiencing a slowdown, prompting consumers and companies alike to reevaluate their investments in XR technologies. Nonetheless, there is a silver lining, as a modest growth of 2 percent is projected in the upcoming period, suggesting a potential rebound as new products hit the market.
Looking beyond the imminent launch, the anticipation surrounding Project Moohan raises questions about what Samsung might achieve in the XR arena. With promises of compatibility with AI technologies like Google’s Gemini assistant, coupled with large-scale virtual display capabilities, the headset could redefine entertainment, gaming, and productivity experiences. As Samsung positions itself in this competitive market, the performance of Project Moohan may serve as a bellwether for the future of XR technology. While the launch of Project Moohan is a significant milestone for Samsung, its success will ultimately depend on its ability to resonate with consumers and adapt to market demands.
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